Jim Chodzko



Irvine, California 92602

760-505-0235


Business, Condominium, Construction, Contract, Employment, Engineering, Healthcare, Insurance, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Product Liability, Real Estate, Toxic Tort, Wrongful Death

Mr. Chodzko has pursued an active career as a trial lawyer in civil disputes of all kind for more than thirty years. His practice was devoted to representation of entities and individuals involved in, but not limited to, insurance coverage, legal malpractice, serious personal injury, wrongful death, products liability, business, construction defect, architects, engineers and other design professionals, subcontractors, general contractors, developers and owners. He has tried more than 55 cases to verdict before juries as well as numerous bench trials, arbitrations and administrative hearings.

Since the year 2000 Mr. Chodzko has devoted considerable time serving as a neutral (mediator, discovery referee and arbitrator) in business disputes, legal malpractice claims, contract disputes, construction claims and complex cases for the American Arbitration Association. One attorney noted: “To go along with his great demeanor and overall sense of fairness, he is extremely professional, knowledgeable, and grasps complex issues quickly.” Many attorneys he has served join in these lauds.

Legal Career and Prior Experience – Summary

  • Arbitrator for the American Arbitrator Association, Large, Complex Case Panel, Commercial and Construction panel (2000-present)
  • Special Master and Mediator for Civil Disputes pending in California, Nevada and Arizona (1985-present)
  • Partner at McInnis, Fitzgerald, Rees & Sharkey (1984-1999; Managing Partner for 2 years)
  • Private Law Practice representing prominent real estate developers, including The Irvine Company, The Fieldstone Companies, California Pacific Homes and Shapell

Development Company (1984-1996); Woodward Clyde Consultants (1984-2001); Geocon, Inc. (1984-present)

Education & Professional Affiliations

  • J.D. California Western School of Law (1977)
  • B.A. Political Science and History, Whittier College (1972)
  • Mediation Training, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and Mediating the Litigated Case (Pepperdine University School of Law)
  • Member, American Board of Trial Advocates (1992-present)
  • Prolific author and lecturer for the Continuing Education of the State Bar of California, The National Institute of Trial Advocacy, The San Diego and American Inns of Court
  • Adjunct Professor of Law, Civil Litigation and Trial Practice, University of San Diego
  • Many additional teaching and lecturing activities with universities, bar associations and Continuing Education of the Bar, author of numerous published writings

 

ADR Experience & Specialties

  • Personal Injury
  • Wrongful Death
  • Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith
  • Product Liability
  • Construction Defect
  • Design Professional and Environmental Claims

 

Achievements & Awards

  • Appeared in trial for Woodward, Clyde and Associates in the Landmark Supreme Court decision in Tech Built v. Woodward Clyde (1983) 38 Cal. 3d 488
  • Received an AV Pre-Eminent Peer Rating of 5

 

Recent Articles

  • Published in Landmark Opinion, Markborough California, Inc. v. Superior Court (1992) 227 Cal. App. 3d 705; Pacific v. A.A. Baxter (1986) 176 Cal. App. 3d 577
  • Pinnacle Case: The Decision vs. The Reality, May 2014

101 West Broadway, Suite 1700
San Diego, CA. 921101

Phone:  760-505-0235
Email:  [email protected]